Did you know there's a new pattern in the house? It's called Colonial Belles and I think you'll really enjoy it even if you only make one block. I've wanted to get this one together for you for a long time.

Aren't these some of the prettiest Colonial Belles you've ever seen? I think they'd be beautiful done in Civil War repro fabrics or even just used as embroidery blocks. Could be redwork or colored thread embroidery!

I was lucky enough to find a set of these unfinished vintage blocks a few years ago. They're home in the closet of my sewing room or I'd show you a picture. Someone remind me in a couple of weeks when I'm home to take a picture of them.

You could get the blocks in sets of six or twelve. The set I have is for six blocks. They're all stamped and ready for applique and embroidery but I don't know if I'll ever make them. It just seems like that special part of history should be kept "as is" for future generations to see, so I've put them aside with some other special treasures.

The 18" blocks were usually set together using two each of the six designs for a double bed size quilt. Instructions for the double bed size quilt are included in the pattern.

I also have a set of completed blocks I got at an estate sale. The colors are brighter than in the older blocks but still very pretty.

The quilter saved all her little templates for each design. The only thing I noticed that made a big difference in the appearance of the blocks was the lace that was used. Using the delicate narrow lace makes for a better looking block in my opinion.

See all those rows of delicate lace?

Can you see the difference between the two? The first lace is about 1/4" wide and the second is about 1/2" wide.

The pattern is available as a digital download or a printed pattern. Each block has at least one color picture, most have two or more to help you with fabric selection and embroidery. You can read more about it and order by CLICKING HERE

This has been my absolute favorite "next to the sewing machine" iron since I first purchased one at Yoder Department Store's hardware department many years ago while at a quilt retreat. It's a Black & Decker Stowaway Travel iron.

I honestly didn't know they were still available from Amazon and was getting panicky about what I'd do if it stops working. You know........it's like when they stopped making my favorite white marking pencil.

The Eberhard Faber White Chalkboard pencil hasn't been available for over 15 years. When I heard they weren't going to be making them any longer I hoarded, yes I have to admit, hoarded 144 of them! I've since heard that pencils only last for a certain amount of time and they dry out or something like that so I really don't know if I'll outlive my white pencil stash or it'll outlive me!

I'd heard this was the latest and greatest new travel iron for quilters and thought I'd give it a try. I admit it's a little expensive but if it does what I need it to do I don't mind paying a little more.

Amazon to the rescue again. They had the best price I could find in stores or online. The iron arrived within a couple of days and I have to admit I believe it has great potential.

It has a nice long cord and the handle folds down for compact packing.

It came with a cute football shaped carrying bag. I will probably try to make a quilted version so I can pack a hot iron in it.

I like the fact the iron can be used as a steam iron and even as a vertical steamer. I love using my full size steamer to take the wrinkles out of clothes so having that capability in a travel iron is a real plus to me. It also has dual voltage if you travel overseas.

It's about the same size as my Black and Decker iron and just a few ounces heavier. Most important, it feels good in your hand when you're working with it and it gets hot. I do a fair amount of foundation paper piecing so I want an iron that gets hot enough to do the job. There aren't any sharp points on the outside edges of the iron to catch on seams. It moves around smoothly when I'm pressing seams. My final word on the Rowenta DA1560 Classic Compact Steam Iron with 200 Hole Stainless Steel Soleplate 1000 Watt, Purple
- I like it and am glad I bought it. It sits right next to my sewing machine even when I'm home and will be going with me to my next quilt retreat. If you're looking for a travel iron, I think you'd be happy with this one.